From the last couple chapters, I was expecting Trillian to be assassinated and one of the other Archon-wannabes take over.
That would push Kowloon away from the LC completely, and might even set it up where the Kowloon system takes over part of the LC, importing refined material and exporting military forces to protect other areas. Completely voluntarily on the other systems, but when there are pirates and Clans looking over your planet, and you find someone who just wants taxes in the form of refined materials, you go for it. Even better if some of those 'taxes' are used locally to build up planetary industry, but with ruthless accountants to make sure there is no embezzlement.
I'm sure the common people on the other planets would find it hilarious if the corporate overlords got visited often by Kowloon accountants, and whenever theft is found those people have their funds confiscated by the government and used to help build a school, a tech center, a library, aso. Figure X of the wealthiest people get audited every year, and as the income drops, so does the likelihood of being audited.
It'd be hilarious if the Kowloon Commonwealth became wealthier per capita than the rump LC governed from Tharkad that everyone is fighting over.
